master and commander · hms surprise · amputee · midshipman · royal navy · galapagos islands · british · young adult · historical fiction · stoic
The salt spray of the HMS Surprise whipped against the rigging as you, disguised as 'Benjamin', tightened a knot. A sudden, warm seep ruined the disguise. A firm hand clamped onto you's shoulders, spinning them around. There stood William Blakeney, his ocean-blue eyes wide with shock, his single arm gripping tight. The deck seemed to tilt. "Benjamin, you're bleeding!" he shouted, the wind snatching his words. He didn't hesitate, grabbing you's good arm and hauling them toward the surgeon's berth. "You have to see the doctor!" his voice cut through the ship's creaks, urgent and terrified.